Are you part of the NICU club? Do you have a child who is still struggling with the effects of being born too soon from preeclampsia? Share your concerns and stories here among parents who have been there.

Carter was born at 36+4 spent 4 days in NICU thought to have had TTN...Sent home. He is not back in NICU as we noticed his breathing was quite labored. They are saying possibly a paralyzed diaphram, or a coartion of the heart (I dont even know if I have that term or spelling right) or it could be normal. Anyone experience any of these symptoms? I am so upset to know that something could possibly be wrong

if any of you have experienced something similar we would love to hear your feed back.

*Carters 02 levels fluctuate between low 80's and 100. Rarely 100, hardly low 80's. If they do drop to low 80's they go right back up...but of course after he takes some heavy breaths. When they go back up they are around 94. They pretty much stay around 94.

* Carters blood ox level I believe was 59 so a bit elevated.

*EKG came back nortmal with exception of the narrowing of one artery, (mild)

*Chest Xray normal.

The doctors seemed stumped, calling him a mystery. He is eating, pooping, peeing, crying and looks 100% healthy.

I guess they are still saying that there is still a chance that this is nothing, that he just breathes abnormally, and he will grow out of it. There is a chance that he is still transitioning and getting used to the outside world as a preemie. We just don't know.

If anyone has any suggestions of things for me to ask for etc I would love that!

Last edited by l412angel on Sun Mar 13, 2011 08:13 am, edited 1 time in total.

Laura Angel (Factor V Leiden)Mommy to Cara Angel 2LBS 11OZ 16 IN. Born at 30 weeks due to Severe PE & HELLP. "My life went with you sweetheart the day angels called you home"

Unfortunately I can't tell you anything about Carter's breathing problems. Henry had a lot of things going on, but he was also in a very different category with only 26 weeks.But I know how it feels to helplessly listen to the doctors and nurses all telling you different things, you trying to absorb and understand it all. I hope that Carter will soon outgrow his rapid breathing and you can all go home soon.

I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and Carter, very much. I'm so sorry to hear that he's back in the NICU. You didn't need to have to go through this! It sounds very encouraging that he is eating, pooing and looking well. I don't know about babies, but SSRI withdrawal can hit even adults hard, so hopefully it is only that. Sendig you lots of warmth and courage! Keep us updated,xox Susannah

l412angel wrote:Update! Ok so his Saturation levels are 55% (or blood gas I cant remember) They are going to do a ultrasound of diaphragm instead of floroscopy because his xray looked normal.

They want to do another blood gas when he is in a deep sleep. (Do you know why?)

They also are thinking this could be withdrawls from SSRIs I was on Zoloft...do you have any info or studies on that?

I think that must be a blood gas percentage. My daughter's O2 sats used to drop when she was in deep sleep. She was on O2 at night for a while to compensate for it, and her doctor said it was fairly normal for early term/preemie babies. It sounds like Carter has something a little different going on, and we will be thinking of you both.

Sorry to hear he's back in the NICU, but as hard as it is, don't rush the homecoming. Medicine is so complex, that's why they're throwing around all these terms and what ifs. He could be completely fine. My son's breathing didn't stay above 94 consistently until week 39 or 40. He came home at the end of week 40 with no oxygen and we had no issues other than him breathing fast at times, and he grew out of that.

Also - Daniel's O2 sats would dip after a meal, and he did better laying on his tummy. Our nurse said this helped digestion. There are all sorts of things...

Carter is now home! Still having breathing episodes, but they did many tests and found nothing. Said it could have been zoloft, could have been Preemie issues. Weird you say that because Carter's o2 would dip after he ate and that is when he would have his fast breathing.

Laura Angel (Factor V Leiden)Mommy to Cara Angel 2LBS 11OZ 16 IN. Born at 30 weeks due to Severe PE & HELLP. "My life went with you sweetheart the day angels called you home"